When someone I care about is going through a difficult time, I sometimes don’t know what to say or how to help. I spend hours agonising. What is the right thing to say? Will this be hurtful? Couldn’t this be interpreted in the wrong way?… The list goes on. And it finally culminates in “She doesn’t need someone like me. She has other people who will know better how to help. Anyway, it is too late to reach out now.”

However, having been on the receiving end of this exchange recently, I realised a few things.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t know the right thing to say. Don’t waste time worrying. This is about them, not about you.

Just call to check up on them. If they don’t pick up the call or respond negatively, try again tomorrow.

Make casual conversations. Have heart-to-heart talks. Whichever feels right that day.

It is never too late to reach out. Do it now.

Show that you care, that they are not alone in this.

Finally, just keep showing up. In the end, that’s all that matters.